Shooting Starlight Ch.2 Caramel Macchiato

Once back home, Kíli was greeted by the smell of his favourite food, a hearty stew, filled with potato, carrots and meat, especially lots of meat. Fíli who had picked him up from the Academy entered the house before calling loudly.
“Mum, we’re back!” There came loud noises from the kitchen and within seconds their mother Dís appeared in the hallway. She was wearing her apron with a wooden spoon sticking out of the front pocket, still dripping with stew, but Dís didn’t care.
“There’s my baby! How did it go darling?” She asked as she gave Kíli a hug and kissed his forehead. Kíli felt like he was being squeezed to death and gave Fíli a pleading look but he just grinned, just as Uncle Thorin who had also appeared in the hallway with an amused look on his face.
“Thanks mum, it went great, I think I…Ow! Mum not too tight, I am sore.” He winced and his mother instantly let go, frowning.
“What? Are you hurt? What did they do to you? Come here let me see!” And before Kíli could even protest, she’d lifted his shirt and several bruises and cut appeared. “My God what is this? What did they do to you sweetheart?” She cried in near outrage.
“Mother, don’t worry, it’s nothing too bad. Its just part of the training, that’s all.” Kíli said trying to sooth his mother while at the same time trying to cover himself again.
“Part of the training? You’re just shooting for god sake!”
“It’s the endurance part of the training. We had to run through the forest shooting targets while at the same time being chased around. It was actually quite good fun. But I fell down a few times, so got a few of these bruises.” He pulled his mother from him, his hands on her shoulders and grinned at her, “But I am fine, and even better, I am in, I passed the test!” He said breathless and with a feeling of disbelief. Dís smiled widely and placed a tender hand on his cheek, her eyes full of pride.
“I knew you would, your father would have been immensely proud of you.” And she let him go but before she walked back to the kitchen she turned to him once more, now waving her spoon around rather dangerously.
“You are still too reckless!”

Kíli grinning followed his mother to the kitchen where his uncle lay an arm over his shoulder and hugged him tight.
“I am so proud of you Kíli! We all are!”
“Thanks uncle.”
“Mum made your favourite today. I think I should start shooting too.” Fíli laughed but he was shushed by his mother with her new-found wooden weapon.
“Oh hush,” Dís cried, “as if I never make your favourite!” and she ruffled her oldest golden hair.

While enjoying his mother’s ever so delicious stew, Kíli told his family all about the training. He tried to describe in full detail what the academy looked like, decorated in a style his mother would like.
“There was this girl,” Kíli said trying to keep his face in control, fearing he would blush too much. “She belongs to the masters, being one of the very best. However there was one target she couldn’t get exactly right, and some how I managed to hit it perfectly. That’s why Celeborn allowed me to pass the accuracy training.” He avoided eye contact and concentrated on his plate but when he looked up and caught his brother’s gaze, he saw laughter in his blue eyes.
“You always were best at accuracy in the competitions, that’s why you won most of them.” His mother said while adding more stew into his plate.
“What happened after that?” His uncle asked turning his intense stare to his nephew.
“Celeborn began training with the intermediates and they started the endurance training which he wanted me to join. And that,” Kíli laughed, “Practically destroyed me.” He instinctively reached for his shoulder, which was feeling pretty sore. “But,” he added quickly seeing his mother’s eyes, “It was good fun! Gives you so much adrenaline, it feels great. The best part was seeing Celeborn’s face afterwards. He looked so pleased. Well that’s when he said I’d been accepted. Trainings for me will be twice a week. I have to start from the bottom obviously, so I’ll have a red band.” His uncle nodded in agreement.
“It sounds great Kíli, I am glad you had a great first day.” His mother smiled.

Dessert and coffee followed after dinner. Fíli and Thorin brought Kíli back up to date with the company.
“We’ve got designs coming in to create some amazing things with a new stone we found. It’s a brilliant blue colour, something that’s quite in demand. Uncle is trying the create a deal with Rivendell, it seems to be going to right way.”
“Oh congratulations, I hope things will go well. Keep me updated on the process.”
“Definitely will do.” Fíli smiled.

“I am gonna head home.” Kíli said after another hour of talking and finishing his second cup of coffee. He felt sore and incredibly tired.
“Are you sure dear? I can make your bed if you like.” His mother asked but Kíli smiled, shaking his head.
“No mum, thanks for the offer but I have to go back. Got to work again tomorrow.” He stood up and gave his uncle a hug. “Thanks for everything!” Thorin smiled at him, pressing his forehead to Kíli’s.
“No problem son.”

He picked up his duffel bag and walked to the hallway, where his mother was waiting with his jacket ready.
“Thanks mum.” He said as he slipped into the heavy leather. His brother also came into the hallway.
“I’ll walk you to the bus stop Kíli.”
“Oh you don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
“Alright sure.” Kíli smiled and turned to his mother and gave her a tight hug. “Thanks for tonight mum.” Dís smiled at him and patted his back.
“It’s fine baby. Now let me know when you’re home. Also remember that it’s your uncle’s birthday soon. I want you both to help me plan something special. Why don’t you bring along a nice girl? Your uncle would like to see you happy.” Kíli laughed and pressed a kiss against his mother’s cheek.
“Aren’t you going to be my date?”
“Oh you silly boy!” his mother exclaimed ruffling his dark locks. “But do think about it,” she added seriously before winking, “I would love some grandchildren!”
“And that’s my sign to leave.” Kíli laughed and opened the door with Fíli following right in his footsteps. He turned once more to wave at his mother before walking through the lit drive way to the main street.

Fíli threw his arm over his brother’s shoulder and Kíli looked over doing the same.
“I am proud of you, you kick their asses.” The blonde said grinning.
“And they kicked mine.” Kíli reminded him.
“But that was expected.” His brother winked and Kíli punched him. Laughing the two brothers walked on until they reached the stop. Apart from a middle-aged man, they were the only ones. They leaned against the glass walls.
“So, how’s Arild?” Kíli asked looking at his brother who grinned.
“She’s doing fine. So far it’s working out I guess.” Fíli raised his head looking at the stars for a bit before turned back to Kíli with a smile on his face. “She’s still as amazing as always, I count my blessings everyday. I just can’t believe it took us so long to get together.”
“You say? Jesus it took you both ages. Everyone knew you guys liked each other except you yourselves. It was pretty hilarious to watch really.” Fíli let out a loud laugh.
“And you didn’t say anything?”
“It was more fun this way.”
“It was fun to see me stressing out about finding a way to ask her out without knowing she liked me?”
“Oh definitely!”
“You have a strange sense of humour.”
“I will admit though, had it taken even longer I would have stepped in.” Kíli laughed as he remembered how he had pushed his brother into asking out the beautiful curly blonde Fíli had liked since he practically saw her. That had been almost a year ago and they had been dating ever since.
“It’d be nice if you visited more often, mum misses you.”
“I know, I’ll try my best, it’s just been busy lately.” Kíli said and he saw his bus approaching. “There’s my ride.” He turned and hugged his brother and as they broke apart grabbed each other’s hands into their own handshake. The bus had stopped and doors opened.
“You should follow mum’s advice.” Fíli said and Kíli turned, raising an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Bring the girl along sometime.” Fíli winked and Kíli felt his cheeks colouring.
“Wh…what?” he stammered.
“Don’t play stupid. The girl you met, you like her.” Fíli laughed and Kíli stepped into the bus before his brother called behind him. “What’s her name?”
Kíli turned back looking into his brother’s grinning face.
“Tauriel.” And with that the doors closed and Kíli quickly jumped into a seat. He looked out the window and saw Fíli waving. He waved back as the bus drove away into the night.


Twenty minutes later his bus pulled up at his stop right outside his apartment. It was located in the centre of Dale, a city bustling with life. As few streets away was the café at which he worked at. There was a nice shopping street around the corner and one with plenty of restaurants and bars that Kíli visited often. A gym lay close by, as did the university from which he had graduated a few months ago. But the perfect location didn’t appeal to Kíli right now and with effort he climbed the few stairs to his home.

The apartment was on the top floor of an old but pleasant building. His neighbours were nice people who he got along with quite well. He did have to warn them though whenever he had a group of friends or family over, they tended to get quite loud.

His apartment itself was spacious, airy and light. He stepped into a small hallway that contained three doors. The first door on the right was that of the toilet. The second went to his large bedroom with adjourning bathroom. The final door led to his living room. It was Kíli’s favourite part of the apartment, except for the roof and balcony. Large French windows looked out over the park outside, which during the day flooded the room with sunlight. The walls were white but covered with photographs of family, friends, and scenery. His floor was covered with dark blue carpet that felt soft beneath his bare feet. He didn’t have much furniture but that didn’t bother him. He had a large couch and two comfortable chairs, which his mother had supplied an endless amount of pillows for. There was a coffee table, which was generally covered with books, his laptop and beer cans or a good bottle of wine. He had a TV on the wall with all other necessary electronics such as a DVD player, radio, and of course his XBOX. He owned a small dining table that he hardly used, with four chairs that currently served as bookcases. He had an open average sized kitchen that he quite enjoyed. Although he could easily eat frozen pizza for a week, whenever he had the time he did like to prepare himself or others with a nice meal that generally included a lot of meat. The most surprising aspect about the room was the instrument standing in the far right corner of the room against one of the windows. An elegant large black piano stood in sharp contrast to the rest of the cosy but nothing fancy apartment.

Kíli parents, and later on Thorin as well had encouraged him and Fíli to learn to play an instrument. The Durin family was a lover of dance and music, something that was passed down from generation to generation. Fíli had chosen for the guitar but had also become a player of base and even violin. Kíli however had always enjoyed the sound of the piano. His mother could play exceptionally well and she would do so often with Kíli sitting right beside her. He loved seeing how her fingers effortlessly seemed to glide over the keys. She had taught him how to play and he had even had a teacher back in high school. Nowadays he would play in the mornings during the weekend. With a freshly made cup of coffee he’d enjoy the feeling of sunlight starting to brighten up the room as he played some of his favourite tunes.

But sleep was currently the only thing on Kili’s mind. He sent his mother a message that he’d arrived home, brushed his teeth and let himself fall on his double bed. He didn’t even bother to shut the curtains. But right before he let sleep take him away, a pair a bright green eyes flashed through his mind and he smiled.


The next morning Kíli awoke to sunlight streaming into his bedroom. He checked his alarm clock and groaned as the clock showed 6am. It would be another three hours before his shift started. He sat up and reached out to close his curtains. It didn’t help much so he pressed a pillow to his face to catch another hour of sleep.

He drifted of again before his standard alarm clock went off at 7am. Had it been a normal day Kíli would have ignored this wake too but his body was sore and he desperately needed a long hot shower. He made his way to his bathroom and turned on the hot water. Blissfully he let it work its magic as he massaged his shoulders. Satisfied and feeling slightly more relaxed he grabbed a towel and examined the damage to his body. He could understand his mother’s concern as he saw the amount of blue and black bruises covering his strong chest and trained abdomen. He smirked because as much as it hurt, the pain also made him feel alive. He had pushed his body to a limit and overcome it, which made him proud.

By the time Kíli came into his living room dark clouds had replaced the sun. Heavy rain clattered against his windows. Kíli didn’t consider himself to be a moody person, but if there was one thing that could ruin his day, it was rain, heavy rain to be exact. Of course it hadn’t helped that his father had died in a car accident during terrible weather. A truck driver in front of him had lost control of his vehicle due to rain and wind. He had slipped and fell on its side, crashing into Kíli father’s car and dragging it to the side of the road. While his father hadn’t immediately died, in the hospital it became clear that he wouldn’t survive his injuries; he’d practically been squashed to death. Not that Kíli could remember what had happened, he was only seven at the time, and he could hardly remember his father at all. Fíli however could clearly remember Kaelin and to this day he had a fear for thunder and rain.

Kíli brewed himself a strong cup of coffee that he used to wash down a few pieces of toast. Once ready he decided that he might as well go to the café even if he was an hour early. Throwing on his hood and zipping up his jacket all the way, he braced himself for the storm. It was only a ten-minute walk, but when he arrived at Café Bree, he was soaked. That wasn’t going to help rebuild his immune system. Inside he was greeted by his boss Dori and two employees behind the counter, Meriadoc and Pippin. The two were the most hyperactive people Kíli had ever met, but they were also one of the friendliest. They tended to do early and night shifts and always managed to cheer up all the customers. Their shift would end in an hour and then Kíli would be joined by Rosie to take over.  

The café was quite large, which was necessary because it was perfectly located on a busy shopping street in line with the university. It had two floors, both of which were large perfect circles. On the far end of the first floor was the counter, shining with all the machines. On the right side they had created a small lounge area with comfy chair. This continued on the entire second floor. The rest was covered with multiple chairs and tables, with seats at the windows. The main interior was a palette of browns but with red and blue accents. Kíli loved the place. Although it was hectic at times, he also found it very relaxing and he enjoyed the work.

He helped Merry and Pippin wash off and prepared for his own shift. Rosie greeted him happily when she arrived. A group of professors and students came in waves, quite a few of them regulars, thus Kíli had practically memorised their working times and lecture schedules. Rain still fell down heavily as he and Rosie quickly and effectively worked their way through orders. After half an hour the seemingly endless stream of customers ended. Rosie retired to the back to clean up while Kíli stayed behind the counter. There were only five people drinking their coffee while reading or working.

He was just refilling the water to one of the machines when a girl burst through the door. She was soaked. She wore brown ankle boots paired with tight faded jeans. Her black jacket was dripping and as she slightly unzipped it he saw a green sweater. She had turned her back to close the door, but Kíli knew whom it was, her long red hair being a dead giveaway.

Tauriel turned and looked into his grinning face. Her own looked panicked but softened when she recognised him and smiled as she made her way over.
“Well hello again.” Kíli winked. Tauriel laughed and pushed strand of wet hair behind her ear.
“Hi! I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Well I do.”
“Yeah I see. I don’t come here often, so um… that’s probably why I don’t know.”
“What brings you here?” Kíli asked and upon answering Tauriel seemed to remember that as well.
“I am late, very late!” She said panic rising in her voice as she checked her silver watch.
“What can I make you then, I promise I’ll be as quick as I can.” He told her and she smiled.
“Thanks. I um… I’ll have a caramel macchiato please.”
“Sure! What are you late for?” Kíli asked as he went to work. It had become so automatic that he didn’t even have to think about making the coffee.
“I am supposed to have a lecture now. I can’t believe I am late; I am never late! This stupid weather.” Kíli laughed agreeing.
“What lecture?”
“Oh I am studying medicine at the university.” And she smiled as he whistled lowly in awe. “It’s hard but also a lot of fun.”
“Judging by the way you shoot, I’d expected you to like killing things over saving them.” He winked and Tauriel laughed.
“I can be both, a killer and a healer.” Kíli had finished the coffee and handed it to her. Their fingers touched and their eyes met.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She didn’t move from her place as he had expected her to.
“Don’t you have a lecture to catch?”
“Nah, once I am there it’ll practically be over. My next class is in an hour. Would you mind if I stay here?”
“No, of course not!” Hell yeah! “Feel free to stay as long as you want.” He smiled happily and she returned a thankful one.
“Thanks Kíli.” He felt a shiver go through him as she said his name. It flowed so nicely from her lips.
“What about you? Did you study?” She brought the coffee to her lips and drank. Her eyes widened and a smiled formed. “Wow! This is amazing! It’s been a while since I’ve had such a good macchiato.” Kíli grinned happily and made a mocking bow.
“At your service m’lady!” They both laughed.
“I studied politics at university, graduated before the summer.” He continued.
“And now?”
“Now I work here. I don’t know what I want to do. I figured taking some time off would clear my head a bit.”
“Has it worked?”
“Nah.” He smiled and she happily sipped her coffee.

They talked non-stop. He told her about the Erebor Company and his family. He told her about his father and other things he hardly told anyone. She talked about her life, how she wanted to become a doctor and how shooting had been a hobby she and her adopted brother shared, which had grown into something bigger than they had expected.
“My parents were killed in a car accident when I was four. I didn’t have any living relatives close by that could take care of me, so my father’s friend and employer took me in. He practically adopted me. I guess I was the daughter he always wanted.” Tauriel had finished her coffee but was toying with her empty cup as she told her story.
“Do you miss your parents?” he asked her.
“I can’t really remember them. I have vague memories of my mum’s hair, which is just like mine. I have a photo of them but when I try to picture them, especially my father, only Thranduil comes to mind.” Kíli’s jaw dropped and he almost dropped the cup he was holding.
“Thranduil? The Thranduil? Thranduil of Greenwood?” Tauriel laughed at his reaction.
“Yes, the one and the same. Why this reaction? Do you know him?”
“I um… well my uncle knows him. I eh… guess they aren’t on friendly terms.” That was an understatement of the century.

Thranduil of Greenwood, who just like the Durin family came from royal ties, was the head (king) of the Mirkwood Trade Company. It was a very successful business, dealing in mostly luxurious products, such as high quality furniture, jewellery, clothing, and wines. Thorin and Thranduil had started up a business proposition together. Erebor would help with the creation of elaborate jewellery pieces that Mirkwood would auction. But it was a risky proposition especially with several investors trying to hinder the deal such as firm Smaug who tried to monopolise the trade for themselves. With the demand being so low and high risks of bankruptcy, Thranduil decided to back out of the deal. This backing out hit the Erebor Company badly, with Thorin needing years to rebuild it to its former glory. He had refused Thranduil to keep the jewellery and ever since the two had been on very unfriendly terms. Thorin had sworn an oath to never do business with the likes of Thranduil again. Kíli hadn’t been born yet at the time but he’d heard the story like one hears bedtime stories. And now this beautiful girl in front of him, who made his heart beat quick, was raised by his uncle’s sworn enemy. Brilliant.

But either Tauriel didn’t know this history or choose to ignore it, because she didn’t behave any differently. She merely smiled at him.
“So, are you sore?” She asked and Kíli raised an eyebrow playfully.
“You could tell?” And he wiggled his hips suggestively, ignoring the pain it caused. She burst out laughing.
“Maybe.” She winked, “the endurance training seemed pretty gruelling.”
“You watched?” Kíli asked surprised. She nodded.
“Yeah, Legolas had training after me, so I had to wait anyway.”
“Don’t you train together?”
“We normally do, but he couldn’t make it this time.”
“You do a lot together then?”
“Well yeah, he’s my best friend, we grew up together.” Kíli felt jealously grow in his chest, the beast grumbling. He made a mental note to Google this Legolas of Greenwood as pathetic as it sounded. He’d never Googled anyone before.
“When’s your first training?” She asked.
“In two days, and you?”
“Same, but since you’re a beginner your training is earlier.” She said, a smirk growing on her face. Kíli laughed.
“You enjoy calling me a beginner?”
“Of course!” She grinned, “but I can help you with practice if you want?” her eyes locked with his and he saw golden flecks in her green eyes like the autumn leaves. He stood mesmerised for a few seconds before replying.
“I’d like that.” She smiled.
“Great!” She checked her watch and stood up. “I do have to get going now before I miss another class.” She slipped into her jacket and eyed the rain outside. Kíli followed her gaze.
“Why don’t you use one of the umbrellas? You can come by later today or tomorrow to bring it back.” He offered and her face lit up.
“Really? Oh that would be amazing, thank you!”

Kíli smiled and walked her to the door, handing her one of the café’s dark umbrellas. He opened the door. The looked at each other silently, judging the best way to say goodbye. She took initiative and gave him a friendly hug. He couldn’t resist sliding a hand over her soft hair. She smelled fresh like the earth in the early morning but with a sweet hint of vanilla and coconut. He’d never forget that smell. She looked at him, eyes twinkling.
“Thanks for the coffee and everything. I really enjoyed our time together. And I’ll bring this thing back tomorrow.” She said looking at the umbrella. Kíli smiled.
“No problem. There’ll be a caramel macchiato waiting for you.” He winked and she laughed. She walked outside. After a few steps she turned and did a small wave, which he returned. Then she turned and disappeared into the rain.

With a huge grin on his face he returned to the counter where Rosie was standing. She laughed cheekily when she saw his face.
“Well look who is in love! I have to give it to you, she’s a beauty.” She looked at him from the corner of her eye. “But maybe a bit too tall?” Kíli hit her with a towel and grumbling told her to shut up. They fell into a fit of laughter. As they worked their shift, nothing seemed to be able to take away his smile and Kíli happily stared outside at the terrible weather.

Who knew rainy days could be fun too?